What is Chrysocolla? Meaning & Healing Properties

Chrysocolla Meaning

A stone recognized and revered for both its remarkable beauty and its gentle power, chrysocolla is a unique gemstone that continues to grow in worldwide use and popularity. The chrysocolla stone is said to invite in the qualities of creativity, joy, receptivity, and healing, which is why it is a favorite of jewelers, healers, yogis, and anyone seeking a moment of peace and calm. Polished chrysocolla is used to stimulate health and wellness, promote tranquility, and release negative emotions.

Check out this comprehensive guide and deep dive into the amazing and beautiful world of the chrysocolla gemstone…

What Is Chrysocolla?

The chrysocolla crystal features lush blue and green colors along with a high copper content, giving it its distinctive color and appeal. The blue-green color will vary based on the amount of copper contained in the gemstone, and the gem can often be found near copper deposits. In the natural world, it is typically found as a rounded mass or bubbly crust.

Chrysocolla stones are used in healing and hold precious meaning among many storied cultures. The beauty of the chrysocolla is also distinctive: This one-of-a-kind gemstone can look like a lake, ocean, or river, a forest, a desert, or other natural formation. Some say that when you view a chrysocolla stone from above that you will see the earth and its many landscapes reflected back at you.

The correction chrysocolla pronunciation is kris-sow-col-la.

Type Of Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla stone is a copper silicate (otherwise known as a copper-bearing mineral) that is often found in the southwestern United States as well as in Australia, Chile, England, France, Mexico, Peru, and Russia; it is also the national stone of Israel. This Phyllosicilate mineral is typically comprised of azurite, cuprite, limonite, malachite, and quartz.

Its chemical composition is CuSi3.2H2O, and chrysocolla is rated at 2 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale—this is a relatively low number, which means that the stone is softer than many and that it must be handled and treated with care. Chrysocolla grows considerably harder when combined with quartz, which is relatively common in jewelry.

Origin And History

The gem chrysocolla is derived from the Greek words “chrysos,” which means gold, and “kola” or glue. Raw chrysocolla was first named by the Greek philosopher and botanist Theophrastus in the year 315 B.C. in his “Treatise on Stones” manuscript. The name indicated that the unique chrysocolla gemstone was used by goldsmiths to help weld or solder gold pieces.

In the Middle Ages, chrysocolla rocks were purported to have important medicinal properties and the potent power to heal. Rumor has it that Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, wore the gemstone as a calming agent during tense negotiations, and that ancient Egyptians reportedly buried their children with chrysocolla amulets to serve as a gem of protection for the afterlife. It may have also been employed by Nero, the famous Roman Emperor, who dusted the blue-green powder in arenas where chariot races were held during that era.

Since that time, the stone chrysocolla has served as artistic fodder for goldsmiths, artists, painters, creatives, and jewelry designers. In fact, painters in the Renaissance era ground up the chrysocolla stone and used its lush blue and green hues for fresco painting and to illustrate manuscripts. More recently, healers of many cultures have turned to the chrysocolla gem for its mystical healing properties. Today, chrysocolla is beloved by artists, jewelry makers, and wearers alike and is often substituted for turquoise or used in combination with it.

Chrysocolla Healing Properties

Chrysocolla is lauded for its many healing properties that span the mental, physical, and emotional realms. It is said to support better communication, a greater sense of peace and calm, better overall health, improved relationships, and true wellness for its wearers and fans. In fact, many cultures across time have turned to chrysocolla again and again for its varied healing properties.

To that end, chrysocolla is sometimes called the “teaching stone” for its ability to inspire learning and wisdom. It can enhance intuition, receptivity, and the potential for new growth and knowledge.

Physical Healing Properties

The many chrysocolla benefits start with its ability to calm an agitated nervous system, which can create digestive issues, the high blood pressure often associated with anger, and depression and anxiety, among other physical issues. By helping to reduce stress and the symptoms often associated with stress, chrysocolla gemstones can help those who use it release negative emotions and sensations, decreasing everything from blood pressure to stress to worry to indigestion.

While it was typically used more often by male rulers in earlier cultures, the chrysocolla stone is now associated with wise women and is known for helping to regulate blood sugar, ease premenstrual cramps and the symptoms of menopause, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in digestion. It may also reduce sore throats and thyroid issues. Clearly, the physical healing properties of chrysocolla are immense.

Mental & Emotional Healing Properties

In addition to the physical healing properties of chrysocolla, chrysocolla healing properties can extend to the mental and emotional states. The chrysocolla gemstone is widely recognized for its calming and soothing properties, which can alleviate stress and tension, support resilience, and inspire inner and outer peace on a mental and emotional level.

The gem chrysocolla is also used to reduce or eliminate self-limiting or negative beliefs in place of greater self-awareness and love. Further, blue chrysocolla and green chrysocolla—the striking colors of nature themselves—can increase one’s connection to nature and the natural world. Overall, the chrysocolla gem can usher in feelings of peace, joy, and connection and release sensations of doubt, anger, and disease.

Metaphysical Properties

Seekers and fans believe that chrysocolla stones have powerful metaphysical properties, highlighting its gentle touch and calming influence. Even its remarkable blue-green color and design can call to mind a beautiful seascape and moments of peace in the eye of the beholder.

In addition, chrysocolla metaphysical properties include wisdom, sensitivity, intuition, and love. Several Native American cultures use the chrysocolla stone as a healing gem to support both wellness and wisdom across the lifespan. Others employ the stone to purify a specific space or to bring a sense of peace and calm to a heated argument or debate.

Chrysocolla Chakrasa

There are seven energy centers, which are also known as chakras, that run along the spine, and they are said to regulate everything from digestion to communication to emotions to one’s feeling of safety and stability in the world. Starting at the root chakra and rising up to the crown chakra, the seven chakras are each represented by different colors and sounds—each chakra can impact how we feel, interact, and express ourselves.

The fourth chakra or heart chakra is represented by the color green while the fifth or throat chakra bears a beautiful blue hue. To that end, the chrysocolla gem’s blue and green colors may particularly impact the heart and throat chakras, supporting stronger expression, relationships, sharing one’s truth, and connection with others. This unique crystal can create a sense of harmony between the heart and the throat—between what is felt and what is expressed. Ultimately, the gem chrysocolla can help with overall chakra balance and alignment.

Practitioners often use the chrysocolla stone to align their chakras, either wearing a chrysocolla pendant or by placing it at the base of the throat or on the heart center during meditation; another option is to simply take several deep breaths along with the chrysocolla as part of a chakra practice designed to spark greater balance.

Zodiac Signs

While any zodiac sign can use and enjoy a chrysocolla stone, it is particularly associated with the signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Aquarius.

Those born under the sign of Taurus, for example, are often reputed to be stubborn and the chrysocolla gemstone can encourage greater ease and flow in communication while connecting with the Taurus’ passion for the finer things. Likewise, it can inspire overly practical Virgos to find greater spontaneity and creativity in their interactions and invite those born under the sign of more skeptical Scorpio to expand their realm of trust, acceptance, and warmth. While all Zodiac signs can connect with the chrysocolla, these three may find the greatest sense of connection and benefit.

Birthstone and Chrysocolla

Although the chrysocolla gem is not associated with a specific month as a birthstone, it is often used along with turquoise for those who celebrate a December birthday. With its beauty and variation, a chrysocolla stone can be a wonderful compliment to any birthstone in a piece of jewelry or as an accompanying crystal.

Conclusion

A mystical stone of healing, connection, love, and gentle expression, chrysocolla is equally beautiful and inviting. It draws the eye, warms the heart, and inspires a true sense of peace and harmony. Chrysocolla stones offer a wonderful way to attract positive vibes and positive relationships.

If you are looking for a fresh start or a change that does not feel overwhelming, chrysocolla might be for you. If you want to enhance your authentic connection with others, chrysocolla might be for you. And if you want to welcome in more peace and less stress, then chrysocolla might definitely be the perfect option for you!

Chrysocolla crystals can be used to enhance a meditation practice, in a piece of stunning jewelry, or as a touchstone and reminder of your true nature and connection with others and the world around you.

Chrysocolla q & a

1.How should I care for my chrysocolla bracelet or pendant?

This is a softer gem so it should be gently polished with warm and soapy water; your chrysocolla jewelry can also be rinsed under warm water and then left to dry on a soft cloth. Avoid contact with heat or household chemicals, which can be damaging. Store your chrysocolla beads, bracelets, and rings and other chrysocolla jewelry away from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratching or other damage.

2.What are the best ways to use chrysocolla jewelry?

The easiest way to use a chrysocolla necklace, bracelet, or ring is to wear it! You can also place a gemstone in your pocket or purse as a regular touchstone. Beyond physical wear, you can use chrysocolla gems in your meditation practice, placing them over your heart, at the base of your throat, or in the palm of your hand during a meditation session. Other great options for chrysocolla use include in the bath or shower (in the water flow or on the edge of the tub), on a desk at work, or on your bedside table. As you can see, chrysocolla jewelry is very versatile.

3.How do I know if I am buying authentic chrysocolla?

Great question! Ideally, you should purchase a certified chrysocolla gemstone from a reputable jewelry or gemstone dealer in person so you can view and touch the stone and ask questions. Make sure you are familiar with the look and feel of the gem. Finally, buyer beware: If the price is so low that it is simply not believable, then don’t believe it. The chrysocolla gemstone is not expensive, but it also rarely sells at bargain-basement prices.

4.Will the color of my chrysocolla jewelry change over time?

Unlike some jewelry which may morph over the years, chrysocolla jewelry will maintain its original beautiful color and design.

5.Is it possible to be allergic to a chrysocolla bracelet or necklace?

While most people find chrysocolla to be soothing and calming, it can flake and has occasionally caused skin irritation or other allergic reactions. If you notice irritation, try cleaning your chrysocolla jewelry or keeping it next to you, rather than wearing it directly on your skin. It is also advised to wear a mask during polishing.